Monday, December 27, 2010

Rachel's experience after gaining and losing weight from her first pregnancy encouraged her to become a certified Personal Trainer. She now helps others "commit to the game" and live a healthy lifestyle free of fad diets. She lives with her husband and two kids in Agoura Hills, CA. Read more about her health musings and personal experiences at www.proteinpancake.blogspot.com.

10 Tips For Your Post-Baby Bod

Once you're pregnant, there’s no excuse to turn into a human garbage disposal.

Do not assume you will lose the weight right after...it is not a free for all!

We carry the kid for nine long months, then push them out for a grueling number of hours, then feed them, nurse them, carry them, soothe them, rock them, bathe them, change them and burp them for long months after. We deal with tantrums, cranky hours, sleepless nights, sleep training, potty training and eventually new sibling training... and the cycle starts all over again! Yes, of course we do it lovingly, with a full heart, and wouldn't take back a second for anything. But, do we really need to be doing it all with an extra 10 lbs of unwanted stubborn weight? With all the stuff we got going on, wouldn’t it be a lot easier to feel good, be healthy and have the energy we need to deal with daily life? So lets get started with the basics. Even if you're months after giving birth - or even years- its never too late! Use these tools to guide you and whip that body back into shape! 1.) Learn healthy eating habits. The most important rule of all. This applies before, during and after pregnancy. Of course, theres no better time to start than before you get pregnant. You're doing yourself and your unborn child such a huge favor by starting early on. The food you eat affects your entire being and, especially when you're pregnant, these are the foods you're baby will be living on for nine whole months. Once you're pregnant, there’s no excuse to turn into a human garbage disposal! Do not assume you will lose the weight right after; it is not a free for all! It’s probably the most important time of your life to be eating healthy, so adapt these habits now to ensure they stick for life. Here is a breakdown of the types of foods I like, but as you'll see in the next tip, they don't all need to apply to you.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

We are so quick to criticize ourselves and others.

Use that same lightning fast "why didn't they..." that comes to mind and use it to praise yourself and others.

The same brain that mentally critiques our co-worker for not handing in time-sensitive information can also praise the co-worker who filled the paper in the copy machine.

It's really empowering to get caught doing something right. Try it on yourself.

-----

Rivka Caroline is an Efficiency Coach that helps moms, individuals and companies be more productive. She lives with her husband and seven kids in Key Biscayne, FL. Visit her site www.sobeorganized.com for more great solutions on exporting stress and importing fun!

Monday, December 13, 2010

Don't let anything stop you from scoring in life. Even when you can't find your basketballs.

A life lesson brought to you by my slam-dunk-loving and sippy-cup-toting son.

-------

[Btw, I HIGHLY recommend this amazing Little Tykes Little Champ Sports Center for your baby/toddler. It lights up and keeps score - and there's even the sound of applause! Such a feeling of accomplishment! My amazing mother got it for us months ago, and he's been non-stop entertained by it ever since...as you can see! - Mimi]

So I have a dilemma. We're boarding a six hour flight soon for our first, but definitely annual, trip to Seattle. It's 3,000 miles and hundreds of passengers between the seats and the sanity of my husband, my one year old and myself.

We've heard that Benadryl can be a great help in easing the babes flight experience and the parents blood pressure - so we wanted to give it a test run before the flight. Couple weeks ago, "M" got a 1/4 teaspoon of delicious (though her face said otherwise) cherry flavored Benadryl. Then we sat and stared at her, waiting to see if our babe was one that goes a little koo koo or catches her zzzzzs with the elixir.

At first, we thought she was for sure drugged - babbling, laughing, kicking like a little rockette. We thought we were doomed to spend six hours apologizing for the repeated shrieking, tear bursting wails of a new walker. But then, a little eye rubbing action gave us a glimmer of hope.

Three minutes of rocking, and babe was out cold in drowsy dream land.

So we soon take our flight, and I only pray we can recreate this magical experience. Do we try it and hope for the best? What experience have you had with your little monkey...drowsy or drugged?

-----

Juliya Sheynman is a marketing professional with most of her experience working with Jewish non-profits. A first time Mama - constantly Googling everything from weight average for infants to croupy coughs and colored poopies - she now shares her Mamale questions and dilemmas on LadyMama.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

I don't do paper. I avoid it all costs.

I check my mail over a garbage can and throw away whatever I can. I scan everything and own no filing cabinets. Wedding response cards are not allowed to touch a surface and are replied to and put in the mail box the same day. I don't have a notebook or scrap paper on my desk. I put all info or lists into the notes sections of my blackberry or create a Google document.

Ahhhhh. A paper free life is a happy one.

-----

Rivka Caroline is an Efficiency Coach that helps moms, individuals and companies be more productive. She lives with her husband and seven kids in Key Biscayne, FL. Visit her site www.sobeorganized.com for more great solutions on exporting stress and importing fun!

Chana shares an experience in her first year of marriage that taught her the importance of not just being a "good wife" but actually communicating!

"I loved the wife who wasn't needy. She was independent, confident, and had things under control.

And she always seemed to be in a good mood. Be like her. She's a good wife..."

My Lesson in Communication

From the moment we got engaged, our conversations with parents, aunts, uncles, older siblings and married friends always ended up with them telling us how to have a healthy marriage. People love to give advice on marriage to newlyweds.

“Trust me…the key to a successful marriage is communication.”

How many times have you heard that one? I would nod, smile and say “Thanks for that..mhhmm, I'm sure..thanks.” Communication? How obvious is that? We didn't need their advice. I wasn't so naïve not to realize that every couple has their challenges, and I knew the line 'marriage is work' but I was completely head over heels, and he could do no wrong in my eyes. We knew exactly what we were doing. We were crazy about each other.

FridayLight is an organization dedicated to Shabbat candle lighting and spreading the light!I am proud to be a part of their team, responsible for building and maintaining their social media.

In the spirit of Chanukah, we launched a campaign for lighters to submit their Menorah photos and win prizes. Check out the inspiring Menorah album at Facebook.com/FridayLight!

It's not to late to win!Post your Menorah photos from THIS Chanukah straight to the FridayLight wall! The picture that gets the most "LIKES" wins a prize, so make sure to TAG yourself and "SHARE" the photo with your friends!

[Want to get Shabbat candle lighting times for your city straight to your Facebook profile? Get the FridayLight Facebook application here!]

Meet Mimi

Copywriter. Co-owner of MIMU MAXI.
Married to a musician. Mother of two redheads who live up to all the stereotypes.
Lover of people, truth, and a good chocolate chip cookie.
My articles are sometimes funny, often serious — always honest. Enjoy my articles and start a conversation by submitting your own!